| Inmate name: | Vanessa Chairez |
| Charge description: | Vanessa Chairez was convicted of Driving While Intoxicated by a jury of her peers on January 16, 2014 after hearing evidence of her impairment. The 28-year old Sugar Land woman was arrested after causing a traffic accident just blocks away from the bar she admitted to drinking at that night. According to Assistant District Attorney Jenna Rudoff, on January 7, 2010, Chairez struck the back of another vehicle that was stopped at a red light at the intersection of Highway 6 and US 59 in Sugar Land. The defendant was coming from a bar in Town Square where she admitted she had four margaritas and was drinking too much. Sugar Land police attempted to evaluate the extent of her impairment but Chairez was unable to perform the standard sobriety tests. She further denied causing the accident or driving while intoxicated and refused to provide a sample of her breath or blood. Chairez was arrested and taken to the Fort Bend County Jail. Fortunately, the victim of the vehicle that the defendant struck did not suffer serious bodily injury as a result of the accident. Every day intoxicated drivers cause death and serious injuries by choosing to get behind the wheel of a car after consuming too much alcohol. It is because of these grave and serious dangers that the Fort Bend County District Attorneys Office works vigorously alongside our local law enforcement partners to prosecute these offenders and protect the safety and well-being of all those on our roads, said Rudoff. In this case, the jurors listened to the evidence presented, held the State of Texas to its burden, and ultimately held the defendant responsible for her actions by rendering a guilty verdict. Fortunately, while this case did not result in a fatality or other tragedy, the verdict still serves as a message that those who choose to drive while intoxicated will be held accountable. Chairez was tried in County Court at Law No. 3 before Presiding Judge Susan Lowery. Driving While Intoxicated in this case is a Class B Misdemeanor punishable by up to 180 days in jail and/or a fine up to $2,000. The State asked the Court to assess probation including a DWI Education Class and a Victim Impact Panel, so that the defendant would continue to be monitored and receive any necessary alcohol counseling or treatment. The Court instead agreed with the defendants request that she be sentenced to the number of days in jail she had already served. Assistant District Attorneys Jenna Rudoff and Taniya Henderson prosecuted the case. Attorney David Hunter represented the defendant. |
| Booking location: | Fort Bend County, TX |
